Are you embarking on an interstate move? Relocating to a different state is exciting, but this process requires different considerations than a local move. For the best results possible in this long-distance move, planning and preparing accordingly is crucial. How can you complete your interstate move successfully? Discover our complete guide to interstate moving.

• Start Planning Early

Get your interstate move started on the right foot by beginning the planning process as early as possible. Interstate moves often involve more logistical considerations than local moves, including hiring professional movers and adhering to a specific timeline. Ideally, you should begin planning at least two to three months before your moving date. By preparing early, you will have ample time to address potential issues like delays, unexpected costs, or inventory management.

Where should you start? A checklist of all the tasks you need to accomplish before moving day is a great place to begin. From changing your address to packing fragile items, you should create a clear timeline of what you need to do—or you can rely on this guide as your checklist!

• Create a Budget

Moving interstate can be expensive, so a detailed budget is another must-have. To create a comprehensive budget, consider all aspects of the move, including movers, packing supplies, travel costs, temporary accommodations, and any additional services like storage or vehicle shipping. Some commonly forgotten costs—such as fuel, tolls, and tips for movers—can add up quickly, so be as thorough as possible to account for all costs.

• Research Moving Companies

Working with a moving company for your interstate move? You probably should be. However, it’s important to do what you can to get the best price possible, and that means selecting the right moving company. Requesting quotes from at least three companies is recommended to find the best price available. Additionally, not all companies are equipped to handle long-distance moves, whereas some specialize in interstate relocations. Look into the company’s services to ensure they can cater to your needs, and always complete thorough research to ensure the company you hire is reputable and reliable.

• Get Moving Insurance

Interstate moves come with more risks than local ones, considering your items need to travel much further—leaving them more susceptible to damages. While most moving companies offer some form of basic insurance, this may not be sufficient to cover valuable or fragile items. For extra coverage and peace of mind, look into additional moving insurance to protect your belongings.

Moving insurance typically comes in two forms: full-value protection and released-value protection. Full-value protection covers the total cost of replacing or repairing damaged items, while released-value protection offers minimal compensation. The best option for you will depend on the value of your belongings.

• Declutter Your Space

Moving presents the perfect time to reassess your belongings and get rid of items you no longer need. By reducing the amount of stuff you have to move, you can also lower moving costs and make unpacking much easier. Begin the decluttering process by sorting through each room and dividing items into categories: keep, throw away, sell, and donate. If you have a lot of items to sell, you can even consider a yard sale—which is a great way to make some quick money ahead of your relocation.

• Book Travel Arrangements

Because you’re completing an interstate move, travel arrangements will need to be handled—and ideally, they should be booked well in advance. Waiting until the last minute can limit your options and lead to higher costs. Whether you’re driving or flying, make sure you take the time to create a thorough plan and book any transportation or lodging you may need. You will also want to coordinate your travel schedule with your movers to ensure your arrival time aligns with your items’ expected delivery.

• Notify Necessary Parties

Before you move, make sure you notify all necessary parties of your change of address. This includes the post office, banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, employers, IRS, DMV, and subscription services. 

• Forward Your Mail

While you should notify essential contacts of your new address, it’s also a good idea to forward your mail through the United States Postal Service. Setting up mail forwarding will ensure that any mail sent to your old address is redirected to your new one. USPS allows you to set mail forwarding for up to a year, which provides plenty of time to notify all necessary parties that you may have forgotten.

• Get Packing Supplies

Securely packing for an interstate move requires more than just a few cardboard boxes and some tape. You’ll need quality packing supplies to protect your belongings through interstate travel. Stock up on sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and heavy-duty tape. Consider specialized materials for fragile items, such as dish barrels or wardrobe boxes, to keep everything secure.

• Pack Carefully

When packing for an interstate move, it’s important to be methodical and careful. Fragile items should be packed with extra padding, and everything should be labeled clearly to avoid confusion when unpacking. Start with non-essential items you don’t use daily and pack these away early. Save daily-use items for last, as you’ll need easy access to them until the move.

Use padding materials like packing paper or bubble wrap to fill gaps in boxes and prevent items from shifting during transit. Label boxes according to their contents and the room they belong to in your new home, and make sure fragile items are clearly marked.

• Allow Plenty of Time for Packing

How long do you think packing for your move will take? Most people severely underestimate the longevity of this process, especially for an interstate move. Begin the process as early as possible, starting with non-essential items like seasonal clothing, decorations, or rarely used kitchenware. Aim to have everything packed a few days before moving day to minimize last-minute stress. This also gives you time to double-check that everything is packed securely.

• Leave Clothes on Hangers…

For an efficient packing hack, leave your clothes on their hangers and simply place them in wardrobe boxes. This keeps them wrinkle-free and makes unpacking in your new home much quicker. Don’t have wardrobe boxes? No worries. You can also tie hangers together and wrap the clothes in trash bags as an effective substitute. Either way, this allows you to easily place your clothes in your closet when you arrive at your new home.

• …and In Dresser Drawers

Additionally, you can leave items in dresser drawers and wrap the drawers securely in plastic wrap. This saves space and eliminates the need for additional packing boxes. Then, as with the hangers, you can easily place the drawers back into your dresser upon arrival without needing to separately unpack the contents.

• Transfer Your Utilities

Before moving day, cancel your utilities at your current home and set them up at your new one. This includes electricity, gas, water, and internet. Schedule the start date for your utilities at your new home to coincide with your arrival so you’re not left without essential services when you move in.

• Update Vehicle Registration

Moving to a new state typically requires updating your vehicle registration and driver’s license. Each state has its own timeline for updating these documents, so check with the DMV in your new state to ensure you meet their requirements. 

• Ship Your Automobile

If you’re not driving your vehicle to your new home, you will probably need to rely on an automobile transport service. These companies specialize in safely transporting cars across state lines, saving you from the hassle of a long road trip. As with choosing a moving company, ensure your shipping service is licensed and insured to handle interstate deliveries.

• Bring an Essentials Bag

Moving day can be chaotic, making it incredibly easy to lose track of important items. Pack an essentials bag with necessities like medications, important documents, toiletries, a change of clothes, and any valuables you want to keep close. This bag should stay with you during the move so you’re not left scrambling to find these essentials during your travels or upon arrival.

• Communicate with Your Movers

Throughout the moving process, keep in contact with your movers. Confirm details like the moving date, arrival time, and any special instructions for fragile items or furniture disassembly. By proactively communicating with the team, you will ensure that everything goes smoothly on moving day and prevent any misunderstandings.

 

Successfully Plan Your Interstate Move

By following these steps, your interstate move can be completed without a hitch! Searching for a trusted moving company to help you through the process? Book your move with AAA Flat Rate Moving & Storage, the Florida Gulf Coast’s trusted movers. We have served as an award-winning Sarasota moving company for over 40 years, and we adhere to a simple mission: deliver quality moving service at reasonable rates.

Our team can provide moving, packing, and storage solutions for your interstate move—allowing you to enjoy convenience and efficiency throughout your relocation. Request a free quote online or call us today!